JP2009514313A - Method for adjusting a hearing aid device using otoacoustic emissions, and corresponding hearing aid system and hearing aid device - Google Patents

Abstract

  A method for adjusting a hearing aid device, wherein one or more acoustic signals (S2) are generated and an otoacoustic emission (OAE) is applied to the user's inner ear (UIE) of the device (1, 101, 201). Evoking, otoacoustic emission (OAE) measuring, and adjusting the hearing aid device (1, 101, 201) based on results from the otoacoustic emission (OAE) measurement, Method wherein the step of inducing and / or measuring radiation is at least partly performed by a hearing aid device (1, 101, 201).

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for adjusting a hearing aid device. The invention also relates to a hearing aid system and a hearing aid device.

  Hearing aid devices are known from the prior art. In general, known hearing aid devices are capable of detecting sounds originating from the user's environment. Known hearing aid devices are capable of amplifying the detected sound and supplying the amplified sound to the user's ear. In this way, the hearing aid device can at least partially compensate for the user's hearing loss. Various hearing devices are known (eg, devices that can be placed substantially within a portion of the user's ear canal, devices placed in or on the user's outer ear, and other types of hearing aid devices). It has been. For example, a suitable hearing device can be provided in one or both ears of the user.

  Usually, the gain parameter of a hearing aid device must be adjusted based on the hearing loss of each ear (or both ears) of the user. To date, such adjustments have been made by audiologists in the clinic. This can be a cumbersome procedure (especially for psychiatric patients or infants). If the hearing loss is known, the audiologist can adapt the gain of the hearing aid device.

German Patent No. 4128172 discloses a digital hearing aid that uses an electroacoustic sensor to measure the response of the inner ear to a measurement tone generated by an electroacoustic transducer. The generated otoacoustic emissions are digitized and then compared to previous stored hearing data. The microprocessor corrects the stored data using the comparison described above. Using the stored data, the digital hearing aid is controlled to suppress the hearing loss of the user.

  The present invention aims to solve, or at least reduce, the aforementioned problems. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a method by which the hearing aid device can be adjusted in a simple manner. A further object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly hearing aid system.

A first aspect of the invention provides a method according to claim 1. In this way, hearing loss in the user's ear can be detected in a simple manner (eg, with a hearing aid device and / or under the control of a hearing aid device). Further, for example, the hearing aid device can be adjusted without the need or assistance of a physician.

For many hearing aid device users, otoacoustic emissions can favorably indicate ear hearing loss. The aforementioned otoacoustic emissions of the inner ear are well known in the art and have been discovered long ago (see, for example, “A review of otoacoustic emissions (J. Acoustic. Soc. Am. Vol 89, No. 5, pp 2027-2067, May 1991) ”(see R. Probst et al.) .

  Furthermore, an aspect of the present invention provides a method for detecting at least one characteristic of a user of a hearing aid device, wherein the hearing aid device detects at least one characteristic of the user. For example, a hearing aid device can generate a message when a detected characteristic reaches a predetermined threshold for that characteristic.

  A user characteristic may be, for example, hearing loss. In that case, effectively, hearing loss is detected using otoacoustic emissions of the inner ear. Further, for example, the aforementioned characteristic can be a user's body temperature (eg, for detecting heat or another user condition), or another user characteristic.

  Further aspects of the invention comprise computer code configured to perform the method according to the invention when the code is loaded into the control part of the hearing aid system and / or performed by the control part of the hearing aid system. Provide a computer program.

  An aspect of the invention is, for example, a hearing aid system configured to perform the method according to the invention, the system comprising a hearing aid device configured to be worn by a user, the hearing aid device being in use by the user A hearing aid system configured to make a measurement of otoacoustic emissions that may radiate from at least one of the inner ears is provided.

  This system can provide the aforementioned advantages. The system can be relatively user friendly. For example, preferably the system is operated without the assistance of a physician. The user's specific hearing loss can be at least partially compensated for in a simple manner.

EP 10733314 discloses a hearing aid that uses otoacoustic emissions of the ear to calculate parameters for controlling the hearing aid to optimally suppress the hearing loss of the user. U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,035 discloses a hearing aid system that detects otoacoustic emissions and provides diagnostic information to a physician at a remote location. Signal processing parameters are adjusted based on the detected radiation. WO 97/01314 discloses a hearing aid device that detects battery status, time, and user temperature, and automatically sends a warning message to the user when one of the aforementioned detection items exceeds a threshold. .

  Furthermore, an aspect of the present invention provides a hearing aid device configured to detect a body temperature of a user of the device.

  This hearing aid device can effectively be used by, for example, psychiatric patients and / or infants, or another user. The hearing aid device not only assists the user in listening to the sound, but also monitors the user's body temperature and can detect the user's physical condition, for example.

  Advantageous further embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

  The invention will now be described in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

  In this application, similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference symbols.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a hearing aid system. In particular, FIG. 1A represents a first operating mode of the system and FIG. 1B represents a second operating mode of the system. The system includes a hearing aid device 1 configured to be worn by a user. The hearing aid device 1 can be configured in various ways. For example, the hearing aid device 1 can be configured to be placed in the user's ear canal EC, in the user's outer ear, and / or outside the user. In the example described above, the hearing aid device 1 (in particular its housing H) can be arranged substantially in the ear canal EC. Preferably, the hearing aid device 1 is a lightweight portable device 1.

  In an aspect of the invention, the system is at least a first mode or hearing aid mode shown in FIG. 1A (in this mode, the hearing aid device 1 amplifies the “external” sound Q radiating from the user's environment ENV. Is possible). For this purpose, the hearing aid system of the first embodiment comprises one or more sound detectors 3 for detecting sound and one or more for generating at least partially amplified sound S1. It is possible to provide a sound generator and appropriate control units 4 and 10. The control units 4, 10, the sound detector, and the sound generator 2 can be configured to at least partially amplify the sound Q radiating from the user's environment.

  For example, the sound detector 3 of the system can be configured to detect sound (indicated by arrow Q) arising from the user's environment EUV. The controllers 4, 10 can be coupled to the sound detector 3 to receive a sound detection signal relating to the detected sound Q therefrom. The control units 4 and 10 can at least partially amplify the sound detection signal. The amplification may be based on one or more gain parameters (eg, frequency dependent gain or frequency dependent gain parameter) of the hearing aid device 1 or may utilize one or more gain parameters of the hearing aid device 1. As an example, the aforementioned gain parameters can be stored in the memories 8, 8 ′ of the controllers 4, 10. For example, a specific part of the spectrum of the sound Q can be amplified by the control units 4 and 10. In addition, the controllers 4, 10 amplify (eg, to reduce noise, improve sound quality, provide specific directivity, equalize sound, and / or perform other types of sound processing). It is possible to make specific adjustments to the target sound Q (or sound detection signal). It is possible to couple the control units 4, 10 to the sound generator 3 and supply the respective sound signals to the sound generator to generate at least partially amplified sound S 1. In this way, the specific hearing loss of the user can be at least partially eliminated or suppressed by the hearing aid system.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the hearing aid device 1 is provided with an appropriate sound detector 3, an appropriate sound generator 2, and at least a first portion of at least the control unit 4 described above (see FIG. 1A). See). For example, the control unit 4 of the hearing aid apparatus 1 may be provided with the above-described memory 8 to store, for example, the above-described gain parameter and / or other data or information. As an example, the hearing aid device 1 may include a suitable housing H (represented by the dashed line H in the figure). The housing H can be provided with the sound detector 3, the sound generator 2, and / or the control unit 4 described above. By way of example, the housing H described above can be relatively compact and can be formed to fit at least partially within the user's ear canal EC for insertion therein.

  Alternatively, one or more parts of the hearing aid device 1 can be worn on the user's outer ear or elsewhere on the user's head. For example, the device 1 may include several housings (eg, a first housing portion H that can be inserted into the ear canal EC and a second housing portion H ′ that is to be placed outside the ear canal EC). . For example, in that case, the first housing portion may include the sound generator 2 and the second housing portion H ′ may include one or more of the sound detectors 103b (eg, FIG. 2). See).

  Each of the sound detectors 3 can be configured in various ways. For example, the sound detector may comprise a suitable microphone, a high sensitivity low noise microphone, a transducer or another detector. Furthermore, each sound generator 2 can be configured in various ways, and may comprise, for example, a speaker, a transducer, a receiver, or another sound generator.

  The control units 4, 10 are, for example, suitable hardware, microelectronic circuits, software, one or more processors, digital signal processing means, one or more memories 8, 8 ′ and / or sound signals. Other means suitable for controlling and / or performing the amplification and controlling and / or implementing the adjustment of the hearing aid device 1 as described below may be provided. The control unit has a computer code configured to perform the method when the code is loaded into each control unit 4, 10 of the system and / or performed by each control unit 4, 10 of the system. It may be provided at least in part by a provided computer program.

  Further, for example, a part of the control unit 4 may be a local part of the hearing aid device 1 (for example, the control part 4 provided in the housing H of the hearing aid device 1) as shown in FIG. 1A. The aforementioned (internal or local) hearing aid control part 4 can be provided with the hearing aid device memory 8. Further, the control unit may include at least the control unit 10 outside the hearing aid device 1. Said external control part 10 comprises, for example, a docking station and / or battery charger of a hearing aid device, or a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or another suitable external control part 10 or It can be. Further, the memory 8 'can be provided in the external control unit 10 described above. For example, the external control part can be a remote control of the hearing aid device 1.

  Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the hearing aid device 1 may include a suitable power source 6 for supplying power to the control unit 4, the sound detector 3 and the sound generator 2. The aforementioned power source 6 can be, for example, a battery, a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, or another power source, and can be provided in the hearing aid housing H. The docking station 10 described above can be configured to recharge the rechargeable power source 6 of the hearing aid device 1 when the device 1 is docked at the appropriate docking location of the docking station 10 described above.

  If the system includes an external control part 10 (such as a remote control) and a local control part 4 of the hearing aid device 1, any control part 4, 10 is connected via one or more suitable communication lines 11, 12 (eg May be configured to communicate with each other (via wireless and / or wired communication means, via docking contacts, battery charging connection, or via another means). A communication line 11 capable of coupling an external control part 10 to a communication connector 12 of the control part 4 of the hearing aid device 1 is schematically shown in FIG.

  Further, a communication network N such as a computer network and / or a telephone network can be provided to communicate between the hearing aid system controls 4 and 10 and a remote location. The remote location may be, for example, a central hearing aid clinic, a remote patient monitoring station, a relative location of a user of the hearing aid station, and / or another location.

  In aspects of the invention, the system can also operate in at least a second mode (also referred to as “adjustment mode” or “programming mode”). In the second mode, the hearing aid device 1 can be adjusted. In particular, in that case, it is possible to adjust one or more of the gain parameters of the hearing aid device 1. For example, the gain parameter can be adjusted to at least partially compensate for the hearing loss of the user, if any, and to at least partially compensate for the (further) hearing loss of the user. The term “regulation” should be understood broadly. For example, the term can refer to adjusting, changing, setting, increasing and / or decreasing one or more hearing aid parameters (such as one or more gain parameters and / or other hearing aid parameters). The second mode (adjustment mode) is shown in FIG. 1B. The system can be switched between a first mode (hearing aid mode) and a second mode (regulation mode) in various ways (eg, under user control, under timer control, automatically or otherwise). Can switch.

  According to one aspect, the hearing aid device 1 is configured to measure an otoacoustic emission OAE radiating from at least one inner ear UIE of a user during use. For example, the hearing aid system can perform and / or control the aforementioned measurements when the system is in the second mode (regulation mode). In that case, the second mode may also be referred to as a “detection mode”. Furthermore, the controllers 4, 10 of the hearing aid system 1 can be configured to perform and / or control the measurement of the otoacoustic emission OAE.

  Effectively, one or more gain parameters of the hearing aid device 1 can simply be adjusted based on the result of the determination of the otoacoustic emission OAE radiating from the inner ear UIE. For example, at least one gain parameter of the hearing aid device can be adjusted to at least partially suppress or compensate for a particular hearing loss of the user. The system is configured to detect hearing loss from the results of the measurement of otoacoustic emissions. As an example, the gain parameter can be adjusted to suppress certain hearing loss. Hearing loss covers a specific frequency band (or part of the entire range of human hearing). The hearing loss has been detected by otoacoustic emission measurements.

  In a further embodiment, the system includes at least one acoustic signal generator 2 to generate one or more acoustic signals S2 to induce otoacoustic emissions in the user's inner ear UIE. For example, the signal generator 2 can simply be configured to be placed in the user's ear canal EC and / or in the user's outer ear and / or outside the user. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the signal generator 2 is part of the hearing aid device 1. In that case, the hearing aid device 1 not only detects and / or controls the otoacoustic radiation, but also induces or induces the aforementioned radiation.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the above-described sound generator 2 to be used for generating the amplified sound S1 related to the sound Q generated from the user environment ENV, and the sound generation for generating the acoustic signal S2 and inducing the otoacoustic signal The vessel 2 is the same. Therefore, it is possible to provide a compact hearing aid device 1 that can provide various functions by the sound / signal generator 2.

  Furthermore, in one aspect, the system includes at least one sound detector 3 to detect otoacoustic emissions and / or sounds emanating from the user's environment ENV. For example, the sound detector described above can be configured to provide a detection signal (which depends on the detected sound, such as otoacoustic emissions). It is possible to use the aforementioned detection signal as a result. The adjustment of the hearing aid device 1 can be based on this detection signal. Furthermore, the aforementioned detection signals can be processed by suitable signal processing means in order to detect otoacoustic emissions from the detection signals. Further, the signal processing means described above may be configured to detect any otoacoustic emission by comparing any signal detected by the sound detector 3 with the acoustic signal S2 generated by the signal generator 2. As an example, the aforementioned signal processing means may be part of the control part 4, 10 of the hearing aid system.

  In particular, the sound detector 3 described above can be configured to be placed in the user's external ear canal, in the external ear, and / or outside the user's external ear. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sound detector 3 is part of the hearing aid device 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aforementioned sound detector 3 to be used for detecting the sound Q generated from the user environment ENV. It is advantageous that the sound detector ENV for detecting the otoacoustic signal is the same sound detector. Therefore, it is also possible to provide a compact hearing aid device 1 that can provide various functions by the sound detector 3.

  In a further embodiment, the position of the sound detector 3 of the hearing aid device 1 is the first position where the sound detector 3 can detect the sound Q resulting from the user's environment and the sound generated from the user's inner ear UIE. It is adjustable between a second position where the sound detector 3 is arranged to detect OAI. This can be accomplished in various ways. For example, the position of the sound detector 3 may be adjustable with respect to the user's ear or head. As an example, the position of the sound detector 3 can be adjusted with respect to another part of the hearing aid device 1 (eg with respect to the housing H of the device). Furthermore, for example, the position of the sound detector 3 can be adjusted simply by repositioning the hearing aid device 1 relative to the user's ear or head. In one embodiment, the sound detector 3 is movable and / or detachable to the housing H of the auxiliary device to switch the position of the detector 3 between the first position and the second position described above. Combined with

  The system can be configured to generate various acoustic signals S2 to induce otoacoustic emissions OAE (eg, one or more signals at one or more frequencies having a particular signal strength). is there. For example, the system can generate short acoustic clicks, acoustic pulses and / or tone bursts to induce otoacoustic emissions OAE. In that case, for example, the sound generator described above can also be used as a sound detector (eg, if the sound generator is a suitable acoustic transducer).

  Further, the system can be configured to generate at least two sounds at different frequencies (eg, nearby frequencies) simultaneously. Furthermore, the system can be configured to generate at least one sustaining acoustic signal of a predetermined frequency to induce otoacoustic emissions OAE. For example, various signals S2 can be emitted after each other to induce various otoacoustic emissions OAE. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art how, for example, the control units 4, 10 and / or the signal generator of the system can be configured to generate a particular type of signal S2. .

  Furthermore, in a further refinement of the invention, it is possible to store the results of the measurement of the otoacoustic emissions using the system memory 8, 8 '. Furthermore, the system can include a display 9 that can be used to display the results of the measurement of the otoacoustic emissions. The display 9 can be coupled, for example, to the control parts 4, 10 or to a part of the outer part 10 of the control part. For example, measurement result storage and / or display can be controlled by the control units 4 and 10 of the system.

  In a further embodiment, the system, e.g., the controller 4, 10, or part thereof, can be configured to compare the result of the otoacoustic emission measurement to a predetermined hearing loss threshold. In that case, effectively, the system can be configured to generate a message when the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission reaches a predetermined hearing loss threshold. The aforementioned message can be displayed on the display 9, for example. The message may be a sound message (eg a voice message emitted by the sound generator 2 of the system). Further, the message can be sent to a remote location (eg, via communication network N).

  Further, in one embodiment, the system can be configured to detect specific occlusions of the ear canal EC using otoacoustic emissions. For example, the aforementioned occlusions can include an excessive amount of earwax. The system can also be configured to generate a warning message when a specific ear canal obstruction is detected.

  During use of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the mode of the hearing aid system may be a hearing aid mode (see FIG. 1A). Further, the hearing aid device 1 may be in a suitable hearing aid position (eg, at least partially in or near the user's ear canal EC). The sound detector 3 of the hearing aid device 1 can detect the external sound Q. The hearing aid device 1 amplifies the detected sound Q or a part thereof. The resulting amplified sound S1, which can be generated by the control unit 4 and the sound generator 2 of the device 1, is usually guided in the ear canal EC towards the user's eardrum and the user listens to the external sound Q To help.

  In use, the hearing aid system can be put into the second mode (adjustment mode) described above, eg, manually or automatically. By way of example, the second mode may be after the system or hearing aid device is turned on, after a battery switch, after the hearing aid device 1 is removed from the docking station 10 (if there is a docking station 10) and / or Or it can start automatically in another way. Further, for example, the system may simultaneously switch from the first mode to the second mode depending on the user's condition (eg, when the user is asleep or when a long user inactivity period is detected). For this purpose, for example, the control part 4 of the hearing aid device (or another part of the hearing aid system) can be provided with a user activity detector, such as a motion detector or another detector.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the hearing aid device 1 can also be worn by the user at the appropriate hearing aid position, even when the mode of the system is the second mode. The system can perform a method for adjusting the hearing aid device after entering the second mode of operation. There, one or more acoustic signals 52 are generated to induce otoacoustic emissions OAE in the user's inner ear UIE. In particular, the aforementioned radiation may originate from the cochlea (ie, cochlear hair cells) of the inner ear UIE. The otoacoustic emission OAC can travel retrogradely (from the user's inner ear UIE through the middle ear towards the ear canal EC).

  The one or more acoustic signals S2 can be generated in various locations (eg, in the user's ear canal EC and / or in the user's outer ear and / or outside the user's outer ear). is there. In this embodiment, the acoustic signal S2 can simply be generated by the sound generator 2 of the hearing aid device 1 (especially when the device 1 is worn by the user). The generation of the acoustic signal S2 can be controlled by the control units 4 and 10 of the system (for example, by the control unit 4 of the hearing aid device 1). In a further embodiment, the generation of the acoustic signal S2 can be controlled by the external control part 10. To that end, the external control part 10 can communicate with the hearing aid control part 4 and / or the sound generator 2 via the communication line 11.

  As can be seen from the foregoing, various sound signals S2 can be generated during the second mode of the system. In particular, so-called transient otoacoustic emissions OAE can be induced if the one or more acoustic signals S2 comprise short acoustic clicks, acoustic pulses and / or tone bursts. Furthermore, so-called distortion component otoacoustic emissions OAE can be induced, in particular, if the one or more acoustic signals S2 comprise at least two sounds of different frequencies (eg nearby frequencies) simultaneously. Furthermore, so-called sustain frequency otoacoustic emissions OAE can be induced if the one or more sound signals S2 comprise at least one sustain sound signal of a predetermined frequency.

  The otoacoustic emission OAE is detected. In this embodiment, this measurement of the aforementioned radiation can simply be performed by the sound detector 3 of the hearing aid device 1. In this embodiment, the sound detector 3 is placed in or near the ear canal (see FIG. 1B).

  After detection of the otoacoustic emission OAE, the hearing aid device 1 can be adjusted based on the results from the measurement of the otoacoustic emission. For example, one or more of the aforementioned gain parameters of the hearing aid device 1 can be adjusted. The adjustment of the gain parameter is based on the result of detection of the otoacoustic emission OAE. Furthermore, the at least one gain parameter of the hearing aid device 1 can be adjusted to at least partially suppress the hearing loss of the user. The detection of hearing loss is based on the results of otoacoustic emission measurements.

  The adjustment of the hearing aid device 1 can be automatic and can be performed by the control parts 4, 10 of the system. Alternatively, the user of the system, or another individual, can adjust the hearing aid device 1 based on the measurement results. For example, the control part 4 of the system can be configured to be operated by the user or by another individual to adjust the hearing aid parameters of the hearing aid device 1.

  Preferably, the system includes a safety mechanism that can ensure that the gain of the hearing aid device 1 is not adjusted to a value that exceeds a certain allowable maximum gain of the hearing aid device. For example, the aforementioned maximum allowable gain may relate to user safety and / or device specifications.

  Furthermore, the results of the measurement of the otoacoustic emissions can be stored in the memory 8 of the hearing aid device 1, for example by the control parts 4, 10 of the system (for example by the control unit 4 of the hearing aid device 1). In the case described above, the stored measurement results can be loaded from the hearing aid device 1 into, for example, an external controller 10 (such as a docking station) for evaluation and / or processing (eg, adjusting the hearing aid device 1). for). Alternatively, the measurement result can be stored outside the hearing aid device (for example, in the memory 8 ′ of the external control unit 10). Transmission of the measurement result to the external control unit can be performed by the communication line 11. Furthermore, it is possible to detect fluctuations in hearing loss (eg, worsening) over a longer period of time using stored measurement results.

  Furthermore, the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission can be displayed on the display 9, for example. Thus, the user or operator of the system displays the results, for example to check if there is a hearing loss of the hearing aid device user (if there is a further hearing loss of the hearing aid device user) and / or the hearing aid device 1 The results can be used in the adjustment of Furthermore, the results of the measurement can be sent to one or more remote locations (eg via the communication network N).

  In use, it is possible to compare the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission OAE with the hearing loss threshold value of the otoacoustic emission. Such a comparison is made automatically (eg, by the control parts 4, 10 of the system). Alternatively, the comparison is made by an individual. The threshold may be a predetermined value and / or include a range of values (eg, different values for different frequencies or frequency ranges).

  Furthermore, during use, it is possible to compare the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission OAE with the previous result of the measurement of the user's otoacoustic emission OAE. The preceding results can be stored in the memories 8, 8 '.

  Further, the one or more of the aforementioned messages may be used to determine if the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission OAE has reached (or exceeded) the aforementioned hearing loss threshold and / or a preceding hearing loss determination. In comparison, it can be generated when a relatively large hearing loss is detected. As an example, a warning message can be generated on the display 9 if a relatively large hearing loss is detected, or if a large variation in hearing loss is detected relative to the preceding hearing loss determination. . Furthermore, the message may be a voice message issued via the sound generator 2 of the hearing aid device 1. The message can be a warning and / or advice that the user must consult a physician. In addition, one or more of the aforementioned messages can be sent to a remote location (eg, a part of a user's relative location of a central hearing aid clinic, a remote patient monitoring station, a hearing aid station).

  Further, in embodiments, in use, the induction and / or detection of otoacoustic emissions is utilized to detect certain unnatural or undesired obstructions of the ear canal EC (eg, excessive amounts of ear wax ( It is possible to configure the system to detect (ear ears). If such a blockage is detected, a warning message (eg, a message indicating that the blockage must be removed) can be issued. For example, detection of earwax can be performed by comparing the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission OAE with the previous result of the measurement of the user's otoacoustic emission OAE. The preceding results can be stored in the memories 8, 8 '.

  In a further embodiment, the position of the sound detector 3 of the hearing aid device detects sound originating from the user's inner ear from a first position where the sound detector 3 can detect sound originating from the user's environment ENV. It adjusts to the 2nd position where sound detector 3 is arranged. For example, the sound detector 3 can listen to the ear canal EC when in the second position. Further, it is possible to switch the system mode between the first mode and the second mode by adjusting the position of the sound detector between the first position and the second position. It is possible to configure the system.

  In a further embodiment, the methods and systems depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B can be combined with conventional techniques one or more times to measure patient hearing loss. In the conventional approach described above, the audiologist measures the hearing loss of the patient by playing the sound signal and asking the patient if the sound signal can be heard. In that case, for example, the gain parameters can be initially adjusted using conventional methods, after which hearing loss is periodically checked and required using the method described above using otoacoustic emissions. If so, adjust the gain parameter. In addition, after using the hearing aid system for a certain amount of time (eg, during an examination by an audiologist), the conventional technique is applied once again, for example, during use of the system, the gain parameter is set by the otoacoustic emission technique. It is possible to verify whether it has been adjusted properly.

  After adjustment of the hearing aid device 1, the system can be returned to the first (hearing aid) mode. In that mode, the adjusted hearing aid device 1 can once again amplify the external sound Q, and variations in the user's hearing loss can be taken into account by adjusting the hearing aid parameters.

  FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment. A first sound detector 103a configured to detect at least sound Q resulting from the user's environment and a second sound detector 103b configured to detect at least otoacoustic emission OAE arising from the user's inner ear. The second embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B in that the hearing aid system includes For example, the first sound detector 103a and the second sound detector 103b can be part of the hearing aid device 101 by, for example, being integrated into the housing H of the device 101. Further, one of the sound detectors can be external to the hearing aid device 101 (or in its housing H) as shown in FIG. For example, the first sound detector 130a can be in the user's external auditory canal EC, while the second sound detector 103b can be placed on the outer ear, i.e. on the pinna. Furthermore, the sound detectors 103a, 103b may have different “listening directions” in order to detect the external sound Q and the otoacoustic emission OAE. The sound detectors 103a, 103b may be spaced from each other.

  The second is that the first sound detector 103 can be used to detect the sound Q resulting from the user's environment ENV (eg when the system is in the second (regulated) mode). The usage of the example is different from the usage of the first example. The second sound detector 103b can be used to detect an otoacoustic sound originating from the user's inner ear UIE (when the system is in the second mode). In this way, the noise Q outside the ear canal EC can be separated from the otoacoustic emission OAE. For example, the system can be provided with a suitable noise cancellation system. The noise cancellation system can separate the combination of noise and otoacoustic emission OAE from external noise (eg, detected by the second detector 103b). The aforementioned combination can be detected by the first detector 103a depending on the arrangement of the detectors 103a and 103b. The noise cancellation system described above can be part of the control units 4, 10 of the system, for example.

  FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment in that the hearing aid device 201 (or its housing H) comprises a target sound generator 202a for use in the first mode of the system to generate an amplified sound. Different further embodiments are shown. In the example of FIG. 3, the second sound generator 202b is arranged outside the housing H of the hearing aid device 1 to generate the signal S2 to induce otoacoustic emissions in the user's inner ear UIE. For example, the second signal generator 202b can be coupled (eg, via the communication line 211) to the control units 4, 10 of the system to be controlled thereby.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the hearing aid device 301 is configured to detect at least one characteristic of a user of the device. For example, the hearing aid device 301 can be configured to detect a user's body temperature. For this purpose, for example, the housing H of the hearing aid device 1 is provided with a temperature sensor 7 (for example, a thermocouple, a temperature sensitive material, a temperature dependent resistance, an infrared (IR) radiation sensor or another sensor). It is possible. The hearing aid device 301 of the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be configured for use in the system described above for the measurement of otoacoustic emissions OAE, but this is not necessary.

  During use of the embodiment of FIG. 4, the hearing aid device 301 is worn by the user. For example, the hearing aid device 301 can be at least partially disposed within the user's ear canal. The hearing aid device 301 can detect at least one characteristic of the user (eg, using a temperature sensor to detect the user's body temperature). Similar to the above method, the hearing aid device 301 can generate a message when, for example, a detection characteristic such as temperature reaches a predetermined threshold of that characteristic. In this way, the hearing aid device 301 can function as a hearing aid, but means can also be provided to monitor one or more characteristics, such as a user's physical characteristics. For example, the hearing aid device 301 can be configured to detect at least one characteristic of the user when the device is in a hearing aid mode. Further, the hearing aid device 301 can be configured to detect one or more characteristics of the user when switched to an appropriate second mode (eg, detection mode).

  The hearing aid system and device provided by the present invention can be effectively used by an infant, a mentally ill patient, or another user. In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the adjustment of the hearing aid device is in a relatively inexpensive manner, preferably without relying on feedback provided by the user of the hearing aid device. Is possible. For example, the hearing aid device itself can cause the aforementioned otoacoustic emissions of the patient's inner ear. In an embodiment, the hearing aid device sends sound to the ear canal EC, and the hearing aid device measures the otoacoustic signal OAE. The received signal OAE may depend on the hearing loss of the patient. The gain of the hearing aid device can be adapted based on the received signal OAE.

  In this way, it is possible to avoid the traditional cumbersome measurement of patient hearing loss. Furthermore, the (slow) fluctuation or worsening of hearing loss can be followed in an adaptive manner by the hearing aid system. Further, embodiments of the hearing aid device monitor one or more characteristics of the owner of the device (eg, monitor hearing loss and / or monitor the user's temperature (eg, in the embodiment of FIG. 4). )) Can be provided.

  While illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. Various changes or modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention in a first operation mode. It is the figure which simplified and showed the 1st Example in the 2nd operation mode. It is the figure which simplified and showed the 2nd Example of this invention. It is the figure which simplified and showed the 3rd Example of this invention. It is the figure which simplified and showed the 4th Example of this invention.

Claims (42)

A method for adjusting a hearing aid device, comprising:
Generating one or more acoustic signals to induce otoacoustic emissions in the inner ear of a user of the device;
Measuring the otoacoustic emissions;
Adjusting the hearing aid device based on a result from the measurement of the otoacoustic emission, wherein the step of inducing and / or measuring the otoacoustic emission is at least in part by the hearing aid device. How to be done.   The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more acoustic signals are generated by a sound generator of the hearing aid device.   3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more acoustic signals are generated outside the user's ear canal and / or the user's outer ear and / or outside the user's outer ear. Method.   4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of adjusting the hearing aid device involves adjusting at least one or more gain parameters of the hearing aid device.   5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing loss of the user of the hearing aid device is detected using the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission, and at least one of the hearing aid devices. A method wherein a gain parameter is adjusted to at least partially suppress the detected hearing loss.   6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the otoacoustic radiation is located outside the ear canal, the outer ear, and / or the outer ear of the user of the hearing aid device. The method detected by the vessel.   7. The method of claim 6, wherein the sound detector is part of the hearing aid device.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the position of the sound detector of the hearing aid device is from a first position at which the sound detector can detect sound originating from the user's environment. A method wherein the sound detector is adjusted to a second position to detect sound originating from the inner ear.   9. The method according to claim 1, wherein a sound generated from the user's environment is detected using a first sound detector, and the user is detected using a second sound detector. A method for detecting sound generated from the inner ear.   10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the hearing aid device is used during the measurement of the otoacoustic emission and / or during the adjustment of the hearing aid device. How to be worn by.   11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission is stored and / or displayed.   12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission is compared to a hearing loss threshold and the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission is the hearing loss. The method by which a message is generated when a threshold is reached.   13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more acoustic signals are particularly short acoustic clicks, acoustic pulses and / or to induce transient otoacoustic emissions. Or a method involving tone bursts.   14. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more acoustic signals comprise at least two simultaneous sounds of different frequencies, in particular to induce distortion component otoacoustic emissions. Method.   15. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more acoustic signals are at least one sustain acoustic signal of a predetermined frequency, in particular for inducing sustain frequency otoacoustic emissions. Including methods.   16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing aid device detects at least one characteristic of the user, for example the temperature of the user.   A method for detecting at least one characteristic of a user of a hearing aid device, wherein the hearing aid device detects the at least one characteristic of the user, in particular the temperature of the user, and the hearing aid device preferably comprises the detection. A method for generating a message when a determined property reaches a predetermined threshold of the property.   18. A computer program comprising computer code, wherein the code is loaded into a control part of a hearing aid system and / or executed by the control part. A computer program configured to perform the method.   A hearing aid system, for example, configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the system is configured to be worn by a user, for example a lightweight portable device. A hearing aid system comprising a hearing aid device, wherein the hearing aid device is configured to measure otoacoustic emissions that may be emitted from at least one inner ear of the user during use.   20. The system of claim 19, comprising at least one acoustic signal generator for generating one or more acoustic signals to induce otoacoustic emissions in the user's inner ear.   21. The system of claim 20, wherein the signal generator is configured to be located in the user's ear canal and / or in the user's outer ear and / or outside the user's outer ear. .   22. A system according to claims 20-21, wherein the signal generator is part of the hearing aid device, and in particular, the housing of the hearing aid device is provided with the signal generator.   23. A system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the hearing aid device is configured to amplify sound resulting from the user's environment and the measurement of the otoacoustic emissions. A system configured to operate in a second mode in which the hearing aid device is configured to perform.   24. System according to any one of claims 19 to 23, comprising at least one sound detector for detecting the otoacoustic radiation and / or sound radiating from the environment of the user. .   25. The system of claim 24, wherein the sound detector is configured to be located in the user's external ear canal, in the external ear, and / or outside the external ear.   26. A system according to claims 24 to 25, wherein the signal detector is part of the hearing aid device, and in particular, the housing of the hearing aid device is provided with the signal detector.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the position of the sound detector of the hearing aid device is a first position where the sound detector can detect a sound originating from the environment of the user, and the user. A system adjustable between a second position where the sound detector is arranged to detect sound originating from the inner ear.   28. The system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein at least a first sound detector configured to detect sound originating from the environment of the user and at least detecting sound originating from the inner ear of the user. A system comprising: a second sound detector configured to:   29. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein one or more gain parameters of the hearing aid device are adjustable based on the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission.   30. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein at least one gain parameter of the hearing aid device is adjustable to at least partially suppress hearing loss of the user, the system comprising: A system configured to detect hearing loss from the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emissions.   31. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 30, comprising a memory and / or display for storing and / or displaying the results of the measurement of the otoacoustic emissions.   32. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the system is configured to compare the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emissions with a predetermined hearing loss threshold.   33. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 32, wherein the system is configured to generate a message when the result of the measurement of the otoacoustic emission reaches a predetermined hearing loss threshold.   34. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 33, wherein the system is configured to generate short acoustic clicks, acoustic pulses and / or tone bursts to induce otoacoustic emissions.   35. A system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 34, wherein the system is configured to generate otoacoustic emissions by generating at least two simultaneous sounds of different frequencies, e.g., near frequencies.   36. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 35, configured to generate at least one sustaining acoustic signal of a predetermined frequency to induce otoacoustic emissions.   37. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 36, comprising a control unit for controlling the induction and / or measurement of the otoacoustic emission, in particular at least part of the control unit being the hearing aid. A system that is part of a device.   38. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 37, wherein the hearing aid device is configured to detect at least one characteristic of the user.   40. The system of claim 38, wherein the hearing aid device is configured to detect the temperature of the user.   25. The system of claims 20 and 24, wherein the sound generator is also configured to be used as a sound detector.   41. A system according to any one of claims 19 to 40, wherein at least the measurement of the otoacoustic emission is used to make a specific unnatural or undesired obstruction of the ear canal, in particular an excess amount of ear wax. A system configured to detect (ear ears).   A hearing aid device configured to detect a temperature of a user of the device.

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